The Usefulness of Ultrasonographic Evaluation in the Musculoskeletal Disease

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to know the usefulness of ultrasonographic evaluation in the musculoskeletal disease. METHOD: Thirty-nine cases with musculoskeletal pain were evaluated by physical examination, Cyriax selective tension technique, simple X-ray, electromyography, arthrography, Computed tomography, Magnetic resonance image and the high-resolution realtime ultrasonography to define the location of pain. The ultasonographic results were compared to other diagnostic methods. RESULTS: The ultrasonographic findings are as follow; 22 tendinitis, 7 entrapment neuropathies, 6 bursitis, 2 ligament injuries, and 2 rotator cuff injuries. Clinical diagnosis were matched with ultrasonographic findings in 30 cases out of 39. The most common ultrasonographic findings in 22 tendinitis cases were hypoechogenicity in affected tendon. Ultrasonographic findings in 7 entrapment neuropathies were 6 nerve swellings and 1 nerve flattening. CONCLUSION: The ultrasonography can provide detailed images of musculoskeletal system, including tendons, nerves and subcutaneous tissue. Therefore the ultrasonography is very useful in diagnosis and treatment of some musculoskeletal diseases such as tendinitis and entrapment neuropathy.